Observation: Broads Fork

Observation Date
4/14/2014
Observer Name
Kikkert
Region
Salt Lake » Big Cottonwood Canyon » Broads Fork
Location Name or Route
Broads Peak
Weather
Sky
Clear
Wind Direction
Northwest
Wind Speed
Light
Weather Comments
Clear and cold. Light winds down in the drainage, light approaching moderate on ridge tops.
Snow Characteristics
New Snow Depth
4"
New Snow Density
Medium
Snow Surface Conditions
Dense Loose
Snow Characteristics Comments

An inch or two of mostly graupel at the lower elevations, with about 4" at the upper elevations. Actually skied pretty nice on the low angle terrain. Cold temps had locked up the underlying snow well, and despite the moderate to strong winds Sunday afternoon/evening, not really much in the way of wind slabs, even in the upper elevation exposed terrain. Cold temps and light breeze kept the snow cold on east through at least mid-morning when we exited, and I would guess that high north facing stayed cold all day.

Comments

Did not encounter really much in the way of red flags, or have any big avalanche problems to list. Had expected some wind slabs up high, but as noted above, didn't really find anything. Cold temps and timing made wet activity not a concern for us as well (the cold temps really locked up the old underlying snow as well). Biggest concern in Broads this time of year is walking through pinball alley underneath all the glide avalanches. Luckily, most have already run, with some impressive debris piles. However, a few pieces of a recent glide crown above the blue ice did shed a few chunks while we were there. Photos below of a few of the glides, really too many to capture well in photos, just slides everywhere, including some large ones that came off of the NW facing slopes. Could be a bit more wet loose activity tomorrow than today, but wouldn't imagine it will get out of hand.

Today's Observed Danger Rating
Low
Tomorrows Estimated Danger Rating
Moderate